|
What's NewShared Vision for the Year 2000
Diagnoses might be mild, short-term or acute. An innocent stumble resulting in a minor ankle injury could mean the inability to drive for a week. A shoulder injury from a simple twisted reaching motion could limit the ability to shower or dress. A series of ear infections could delay a child's language development. The inability to drive, dress or speak is understandably serious to the person suffering. Insurance and Medicare will usually authorize treatment for short-term therapy. Some accidents, illnesses or injuries may be chronic, long-term, or disabling such as stroke, traumatic brain injury or cerebral palsy. These diagnoses may require more intensive treatment. In order for insurance payment to cover long-term disabilities, it is essential that significant progress be documented. Limited reimbursement for disabilities that require weeks or months of therapy is supported by charitable donations.
While fees in the past covered costs, today's charges do not. Federal budget cutbacks and managed care limitations have seriously decreased service revenue. The Rehabilitation Center's staff strives to meet this challenge through cross training, completing multiple tasks and practicing the effective use of volunteers. Contributions help provide therapy for families with limited financial resources. Donations support therapists patiently teaching a child to speak or an adult to walk. Current industry changes in health care are complex. The Rehabilitation Center survived a history of health care changes by providing ethical care with remarkable integrity. The board and staff are described as RbraveS for adhering to a balanced budget. Through fiscal responsibility, the Rehabilitation Center's mission will continue for the long term, helping people walk, move and speak better.
|
Founded in 1940 as the Crippled Children's Society and Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adults, we continue our mission of improving the physical function, independence and communication of people with physical disabilities. The healthy individual benefits from wellness and personal fitness trainers, but appreciates a therapist's expertise when encountering a physical problem. Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists are experienced specialists helping people walk, move or speak better.
From the original patients treated for polio at the Rehabilitation Center, people with financial means received the same quality care as those struggling to make ends meet. Still today, regardless of insurance approval or ability to pay, everyone is treated the same. Any insurance company that permits their subscribers to go out-of-network allows the family to choose their therapy provider. During the past year, the Rehabilitation Center has received payment from more than fifty different insurance companies. Every plan differs regarding the amount of payment and services allowed, but nearly every insurance progam has some reimbursement for therapy services. Today, families, as consumers, are more involved in choosing their health care providers, including their physician, hospital and treatment centers. Compared to the majority of past treatment referrals coming directly from the physician, now almost 50% of the Rehabilitation Center's patients are self-referred. People are encouraged to research and select the best, most convenient and well-priced options.